A lot of my tools don't get used frequently, which means they may sit for a while after I've sharpened them since I tend to save up and sharpen them in batch. That gives the fresh edges a chance to rust or get nicked laying in a drawer. Some time ago I started doing this to keep the edges fresh and ready to use.
I take my table saw blades to have them professionally sharpened (Raleigh Saw Co). They come back coated in a waxy, plastic-like substance that keeps the edge from getting bumped and saves me from getting cut handling them. I leave this in place and remove it before the first use.
I used to throw this away, but then I could reuse it. Once, when I was picking up my blades I saw they had a vat of this stuff cooking. As soon as they finished sharpening a blade they would dip in the teeth and set it aside a few minutes to dry. I started saving this and remelting it on a hot plate.
It melts at a medium heat after just a few minutes and stays that way as long as it's heated. Now, after sharpening things like auger bits, chisels or plow plane irons I dip these in and let it dry. This keeps the edges fresh and protected. It also means less chance I accidentally cut myself handling them.
When I'm done I turn off the hot plate and let it re-harden until the next use. Figured I'd share this here in case others want to give it a try.
I take my table saw blades to have them professionally sharpened (Raleigh Saw Co). They come back coated in a waxy, plastic-like substance that keeps the edge from getting bumped and saves me from getting cut handling them. I leave this in place and remove it before the first use.
I used to throw this away, but then I could reuse it. Once, when I was picking up my blades I saw they had a vat of this stuff cooking. As soon as they finished sharpening a blade they would dip in the teeth and set it aside a few minutes to dry. I started saving this and remelting it on a hot plate.
It melts at a medium heat after just a few minutes and stays that way as long as it's heated. Now, after sharpening things like auger bits, chisels or plow plane irons I dip these in and let it dry. This keeps the edges fresh and protected. It also means less chance I accidentally cut myself handling them.
When I'm done I turn off the hot plate and let it re-harden until the next use. Figured I'd share this here in case others want to give it a try.